Greenwich Park isn’t the best thriller I’ve ever read, but it’s certainly not the worst.
I know, I know. Not the world’s great accolade. I’ve read a lot of great thrillers, and while this one kept me entertained, it didn’t necessarily blow me out of the water. A large reason for that is because while there are plenty of plot twists, I saw about half of them coming a mile away. It’s all just kind of predictable.
What’s Greenwich Park about?
Main character Helen meets ragamuffin Rachel in a pregnancy class. Helen feels sorry for Rachel, who’s clearly a little bit “off” when it comes to social norms. Before you know it, Rachel thinks she and Helen are besties and starts invading all aspects of Helen’s life — despite the fact that Helen doesn’t really like Rachel all that much.
Of course, shit hits the fan, Helen’s life starts to fall apart, and secrets threaten to erupt from everywhere.
A PSA to Helen in Greenwich Park
I’m sorry, but the entire Rachel situation in Greenwich Park could have been avoided if Helen had just said one magical word. Say (or sing) it with me, everyone: “No.”
“No” to befriending a random chick who’s clearly stalking you. Because no one shows up coincidentally in that many places as you do.
“No” to spending time with someone you really don’t like. Just ignore her calls, Helen. Ghost her. Just frickin’ ghost her.
And, definitely say “No” to letting Rachel move into your frickin’ house without much of an explanation as to why. I mean, you barely know her, Helen. WHO DOES THAT?? It’s preposterous.
Helen: you’re your own problem. I wash my hands of you.
Should you read Greenwich Park?
Despite my rantings in this review, I encourage you to read Greenwich Park. I more or less enjoyed it; I sped through it even though I wanted to throw it (and Helen) against the wall at various points.
Even if I had thrown the book, I probably would’ve picked it up and continued reading. Author Katherine Faulkner’s writing is wonderful. It’s beautiful, it’s captivating, and it’s what keeps you going even when you’re like, “Okay, I’m pretty sure I know how this is going to turn out…”
If you haven’t read a bajillion thrillers like I have, you might not see most of the twists in Greenwich Park coming. In which case, good for you! The reveal at the end is fun to read, and it has to be said that the the last page of the book — THE VERY LAST PAGE — is fantastic.
My book-inspired recipe for Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park inspired me to cook up some Coq au Vin! Check back soon for the book-inspired recipe.
